Football boss Richard Scudamore will keep his job after top clubs decided he will face no further disciplinary action in a sexism row.

The Premier League chief executive had sent private messages from his work email account to a lawyer friend which contained controversial remarks.

The messages were leaked and then published in a national newspaper.

Mr Scudamore, 54, was criticised by figures both inside and outside the football world amid allegations of sexism at the top of the English game.

At a meeting on Monday, Premier League clubs decided against any action after hearing the emails "did include some inappropriate remarks" but that he had apologised.

Mr Scudamore said he felt sincere contrition over the comments.

He said: "Entering into email exchanges of this nature was wrong. These exchanges do not reflect my views towards women in football, the workplace or in general. It is something that will never be repeated."

David Cameron was among the critics of Mr Scudamore's conduct

Premier League acting chairman Peter McCormick said: "In the light of a previously unblemished record over 15 years of service to the Premier League, the clubs resolved unanimously that no further disciplinary action is required or justified."

Rani Abraham, who worked as a temporary personal assistant to Mr Scudamore and who leaked the emails, said she felt "humiliated, belittled and disgusted" when reading the controversial messages.

Ms Abraham told the Sunday Mirror: "This is not the sort of thing that goes on in offices these days."

The Prime Minister also added his voice to the row, admitting he had not personally read the messages sent by Mr Scudamore but saying everyone had to treat others with respect.

And the Football Association's independent board member Heather Rabbatts had said Mr Scudamore should consider his position in light of "growing evidence of a closed culture of sexism" at the Premier League.

But a league statement said: "We do not recognise this characterisation of the working environment at the Premier League, nor do we believe that it can be supported by the facts."